On 28 September 2018, Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, Director-General of Department of Information and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led a delegation comprising members of the foreign media residing in Thailand on a familiarisation visit in Bangkok. The purpose is to provide updates and in-depth information on the current agenda and key policies that the Government attaches great importance to, focusing on the development of rail transport, measures to support digital economy and Thailand 4.0, and the concept of universal design aimed to improve the quality of life of the disabled and address issues related to the ageing society. The visit also helped to build relations between the public sector of Thailand and members of the foreign media. There were 13 participants from various foreign media agencies. 

 

The participants visited the newly established Universal Design Centre at Chulalongkorn University which is one of the only five centres of its kind located in major universities across Thailand. The Centre provides advice and samples of interior designs that respond to the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities. The group later visited the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) and was briefed on Thailand’s progress and efforts in tackling cyber threats. This issue is crucial as having a secured cyberspace will contribute to the confidence in e-commerce and digital economy, which forms an integral part of the Thailand 4.0 policy. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Bang Sue Grand Station on site as it will be a major rail transport hub for Thailand. Once completed by end of 2020, the Station will be capable of incorporating the MRT, high-speed rail, and commuter rail services under one roof. 

 

In the evening, Mr. Krisana Lalai, President of the Friendly Design for All Foundation gave a special talk on the concept of Friendly Design and the progress of its implementation in Bangkok. He also invited the participants to the Friendly Design Expo which will be held at Impact Muang Thong Thani during 30 November - 3 December 2018.